St Lucia is a winning destination, both for family holidays or memorable honeymoons – and it's easy to see why. Here's what to do on this stunning Caribbean island...
St Lucia is a paradise for holidaymakers, with its sun-soaked beaches, reggae vibes, friendly locals and opportunities for snorkelling in warm, calm waters. Whether you're planning a family getaway or a romantic honeymoon, this Caribbean island has plenty to offer.
We took a trip to this stunning island to discover the best of St Lucia, from luxury all-inclusive resorts to activities that all the family will enjoy...
READ MORE: 'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'
Where to stay in St Lucia
Nestled on a hillside overlooking a white-sand beach in a sheltered bay, Windjammer Landing is an ideal resort for special occasions (you'll spot plenty of honeymooners). But it's not just for couples – families are warmly welcomed and children can enjoy swimming, snorkelling and a floating inflatable assault course.
Water sports are readily available, from family kayaking trips to paddle boarding and wind surfing (all included). If you fancy wakeboarding or water skiing, they've got that too.
For a more relaxed experience, there's a luxurious spa, morning yoga classes and hammocks overlooking the ocean – perfect for unwinding with a book or simply soaking up the view.
The accommodation is villa-style, many boasting their own private pools. In the evenings, there's low-key entertainment, including live music.
What to eat and drink in St Lucia
Let's kick off with the essential. Rum. As is the case on many Caribbean islands, it takes centre stage here in bars, roadside huts and even on reggae boats (one docks at Windjammer Landing daily). There are light and dark varieties, including the local Chairman's Reserve.
St Lucian cuisine features roti, a West Indian flatbread typically served with chicken or shrimp curry, and the national dish: green fig and saltfish. St Lucians enjoy saltfish for breakfast alongside a fried dough they refer to as bakes. Another popular dish is stewed conch, also known as lambi, which has a similar taste to calamari.
Then there's the fruit: coconuts, soursop, guava and succulent mangos unlike any you'll find in our supermarkets back home, along with sweet bananas, which make the largest contribution to the local economy outside of tourism.
Windjammer boasts seven eateries and we highly recommend the all-inclusive buffet. We felt like children in a candy store every lunch and dinner time. Give Jammer's beachfront diner a go for Caribbean oxtail, goat stew, beef pepper pot or mahi mahi fish, or Dragonfly seafood restaurant for local snapper ceviche and sushi.
Things to do in St Lucia
Take a trip to the capital Castries to explore the market. It's not just packed with stalls selling souvenirs, it's where the locals buy their dinner ingredients, and the spices for making rum punch make a great souvenir.
Horse play
If you're up for a bit of adventure, why not try horse riding along the wild Atlantic coast with Sandy Hoofs St Lucia? They offer a two-hour trek over the hills, offering breathtaking views before heading down to the beach where you can even take your horse for a swim.
Snuba diving
Ever heard of snuba diving? It's a cross between snorkelling and scuba diving and is perfect for families with older kids who aren't quite ready for deep sea diving but are eager to explore the vibrant marine life. Your oxygen tank floats on a raft above the water surface, connected to your regulator by a tube; you'll be accompanied by a guide and can dive as deep as 20 feet.
From eels to sea horses, we saw it all, making it an unforgettable experience. For more information, check out Dive Saint Lucia. Their base is located on Pigeon Island, which is worth a visit in itself. Hike to the top of the hill for stunning views over to Martinique and the sites of historic forts used by British soldiers to spy on French ships in the 18th century.
Stuck in the mud
St Lucia is also famous for its drive-in volcano near the picturesque town of Soufriere. Don't fret, its last eruption was in 1766. Just down the hill, you'll find mud baths where both tourists and locals flock to slather themselves in medicinal mud, known for its natural detoxifying properties and soothing effects on everything from sunburn to psoriasis.
After a refreshing dip, make your way to the nearby Anse Chastanet and ascend the hill for breathtaking views of the Pitons, the two volcanic plugs that are a UNESCO world heritage site.
Street life
While most of us only experience a street party once in a blue moon, in St Lucia, they're a weekly occurrence. Every Friday night at sunset, the locals in the fishing village of Gros Islet set up sound systems, rum bars and barbecues, attracting everyone from families to late-night party-goers (we suggest heading to the beachfront fish fry for the day's fresh catch they're open on Saturdays too).
How to book
British Airways offers flights to St Lucia from London Gatwick starting at £488 return. The Windjammer Landing Resort provides hilltop one-bedroom villas from £539 per night. You can book directly through Windjammer's website, or via booking sites such as Booking.com. For more information on St Lucia, click here.
